There is a lot of buzz in health news about our exposure to various chemicals and what effect they may have not only on your breast health, but also on our overall health. One of the chemicals that is a source of controversy and concern in recent years is BPA. See our past stories on BPA’s and breast health.
BPA’s chemical name is bisphenol-A . BPA is actually a synthetic estrogen that is found in a huge array of products we use everyday. Included items are reusable cups, hard plastic water bottles, older water coolers and the lining of metal food and beverage cans.
The BPA in metal cans is from the epoxy resin used to line the cans. Another source of BPA exposure is from the thermal paper used for receipts from restaurants, grocery stores, airlines and many other retail stores.
The FDA, in 2008, came to the conclusion that BPA exposure posed no real health threats. That finding has been challenged by a number of studies since that date as new data keeps coming in about the potential effects of BPA exposure. Many health issues are being linked to high levels of BPA exposure through various studies.
Health issues linked to high BPA exposure are increased risk of heart disease and diabetes, developmental effects in infants and changes in fetal development. Since BPA is synthetic estrogen, it has been linked to early onset of puberty and an increase in aggressive behavior.
Research backs up that a top source of high BPA levels comes from canned food. A Harvard School of Public Health study found that 75 participants had an increase of 1000 % in their BPA levels after eating canned soup for 5 days.
Of major concern is the effect of BPA on infants and children. Canada led the way in banning BPA use in plastic baby bottles in 2010. In the U.S., 10 states have enacted laws that ban the use of BPA in the manufacturing of baby bottles and training cups.
Other studies on the health effects of BPA exposure point to alterations in breast tissue that can lead to breast cancer (see related story about estrogen creams and sprays causing early breast development). Again, this is because it is a synthetic estrogen.
Studies of pregnant women found that high BPA levels in the mothers were linked to their baby girls having poor emotional control. These baby girls exhibited high anxiety, hyperactivity and depression.
The study followed the babies to age 3. Curiously, the baby boys were unaffected by the pregnant mother’s high BPA levels. One way to decrease your exposure to BPA is to avoid eating canned foods as much as possible. Parents of infants can make sure they buy baby bottles, formula and food that is packaged with a label that says it is BPA free.
